Gov. Neil Abercrombie announced Thursday the release of more than $21.7 million for capital improvement projects that will upgrade and improve state hospital facilities and services.

"The majority of these CIP funds will go toward modernizing medical record information systems at Hawaii Health Systems Corporation facilities," Abercrombie said. "Funds will also facilitate other improvements and replace outdated equipment statewide, improving access to quality health care for the people of Hawaii."

Allotment of funds for the following projects, identified by members of the state legislature, was approved by the governor:

$14,321,000 – Information/Electronic Medical Record (EMR) System, statewide – Funds for system equipment that will support Acute, Long-Term Care, Ambulatory and Critical Access hospitals and will automate clinical and financial processes; allow for a substantial degree of standardization across regions; and be compliant with the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act and privacy and confidentiality mandates

The Imaging and Laboratory Departments are more than 30 years old, and some of the equipment are antiquated and past their useful life. The Oncology Department is more than 20 years old and faces daily overcrowding issues. The appropriation will expand and renovate patient care areas for the Oncology Department. The medical center will remodel the Imaging department’s rooms, officers, hallways and waiting area to meet new industry standards and to accommodate new imaging equipment to maintain patient care.

$1,771,000 – Hilo Medical Center – Planning and equipment to replace dietary equipment, which is more than 25 years old.

$500,000 – Kula Hospital, Maui – Design, construction and equipment for repairs to the patient rooms, support areas and exteriors of the hospital building, which is more than 75 years old.

$200,000 – Lanai Community Hospital, Lanai – Design, construction and equipment for repairs to patient rooms, kitchen and support areas of the hospital, which is more than 40 years old.

$225,000 – Leahi Hospital, Oahu – Design and construction to remove an underground storage tank, which is no longer in use and needs to be removed to comply with the EPA regulatory requirements.

$21.7 million released for Hawaii hospitals

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Office of the Governor

Gov. Neil Abercrombie announced on Dec. 26 the release of more than $21.7 million for capital improvement projects that will upgrade and improve state hospital facilities and services.

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